Modeling & Simulation Engineer (R4869)

Shieldai; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is building a foundational simulation platform for its next-generation VTOL aircraft. As a Staff Modeling & Simulation Engineer, you will develop our simulation engine in C++ and deploy models across physics and ML domains to evaluate autonomous flight algorithms.

You will collaborate with autonomy, embedded, GNC, and test teams, lead V&V studies, and mentor junior engineers. A BS and 7+ years in simulation, plus clearance eligibility, are required.

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science, Aerospace, Robotics, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in simulation software development with C++.
• Strong understanding of rigid-body dynamics and the physics of dynamic systems.
• Experience with robotics/aerospace simulation systems.
• Secret clearance eligibility; US citizenship required.
• MS or PhD in a related field.
• Familiarity with C++20 and modern standards.
• Real-time, deterministic software design; multi-threading.
• DevOps-integrated simulation workflows (CI/CD).
• Experience with hardware- and software-in-the-loop simulation.

Responsibilities

• Develop infrastructure and models in C++ for autonomous aircraft simulation.
• Architect deterministic, high-performance simulation software.
• Lead verification and validation analyses on models and tooling.
• Collaborate across autonomy, embedded, GNC, and test engineering teams.
• Train and guide junior engineers in modeling and simulation practices.
• Contribute to platform-agnostic simulation tooling.

Skills

C++ development

Simulation engineering

V&V analysis

Multithreading

Python scripting

CI/CD tooling

Clearance eligible

Education

BS in CS/Aerospace/Robotics

MS/PhD preferred

Tools

CMake

Conan

Nix

GTest

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BATaircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Job Description

The Aircraft Simulation team is the nerve center of autonomy integration at Shield AI. We deploy the innovative tools, intelligent models, and streamlined processes that make it possible to evaluate complex autonomous flight algorithms at scale. Our tools are utilized in a broad range of simulation—from mission autonomy simulation to Hardware-in-the-loop, and every layer between. In an era of rapid advancement in Artificial Intelligence, our goal is simple: make AI fly—safely, reliably, and fast.

As a Staff Modeling & Simulation Engineer, you will be a pivotal force in engineering Shield AI’s foundational simulation platform for our next-generation VTOL aircraft. You’ll develop our emerging simulation engine and deploy advanced aircraft models in C++ across multiple engineering domains—ranging from mathematical physics to the latest in surrogate machine learning methods. You will also utilize your multiphysics and aeronautical systems knowledge to conduct system performance analysis against test and vendor data to ensure simulation results are valid in operational scenarios, and simulation platforms are both stable and fast.

• Develop infrastructure and models in C++ for autonomous aircraft simulation.
• Serve as a subject matter expert in modern aerospace and software engineering.
• Architect deterministic, high-performance simulation software.
• Lead verification and validation (V&V) analysis studies on models and model tooling.
• Collaborate tightly across autonomy, embedded, GNC, and test engineering teams to ensure our simulation mirrors real aircraft behavior and mission scenarios.
• Contribute to platform-agnostic simulation tooling to accelerate future development efforts.
• Train and guide junior engineers in modeling and simulation best practices.
• BS in Computer Science, Aerospace, Robotics, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in simulation software development with C++ competency; exceptional candidates with less experience and demonstrated depth will be considered.
• Strong understanding of rigid-body dynamics, kinematics, and the physics of dynamic systems.
• Proven experience developing or integrating simulation systems for robotics, aerospace, and/or other complex dynamic systems (e.g., maritime, space, defense ground systems, or gaming).
• Ability to debug complex build and runtime environments.
• Experience with simulation verification and validation.
• Strong communication skills across software, hardware, and systems disciplines.
• Must be eligible to obtain a Secret Clearance; Secret clearance eligibility requires US Citizenship.
• MS or PhD in Computer Science, Aerospace, Robotics, or related field.
• Familiarity with modern C++ standards (C++20 or later).
• Grasp of real-time and deterministic software design, including multi-threading, synchronization, and memory management.
• Experience with DevOps-integrated simulation workflows, including CI/CD and automated testing environments.
• Experience with Hardware- and Software-in-the-Loop simulation environments, including integration of real hardware into simulation environments.
• Experience with CMake, package management tools (e.g. Conan, Nix), and profiling tools.
• Experience with software testing tools (GTest, etc.)
• Working knowledge of Python for data analysis, test automation, or simulation orchestration.
• Experience working on autonomous aircraft systems.
• Active Secret or Top Secret Clearance is desired.

Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed toequal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.